Travel Therapy Jobs Blog » Credentialing Corner

JCAHO Credentialing: Yes, it is necessary, but we can help!

Tom Hidock — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:45:28 +0000

Hello all,

Up to date credentialing is important when determining your start date of your next travel therapy assignment. Travelers need to make sure all of their files are up to date. Cirrus Allied can help you through this process along with finding you an ideal assignment. Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech Therapist all require the same credentialing. Before you decide on a start date make sure you have the following; Annual TB, Annual Physical, MMR Titers or Immunization Records, state license, CPR card, consent and release form for background check. Allow time for a drug test if you do not have a current screen it will take 3 days minimum to process. Our Credentialing department will assist you in the process to meet Joint Commission standards. Once we all know what needs to be done, we can help you in the process (and get it out of the way!!).

Until next time, safe travels.

Tom Hidock

Sr. Recruiter

Call us today for your next travel therapy job!

Don’t Be Spooked: Credentialing Team Provides Exceptional Performance, Offers Extended Service to Travelers Amidst Nearing Halloween Holiday

Nathan Acosta — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:16:12 +0000

Cirrus Medical Group’s credentialing department poses for a frightening Halloween photo. The department placed second in the Charlotte, NC office’s scariest office decorating contest. From left to right: Kathy Cianelle, Rebecca Leavitt, Beverly Norris, Carolee Carpenter, and Amber Moore.

Often feared by travelers weary of nearing deadlines and mandatory requirements, Chief Clinical Officer Rebecca Leavitt says there is no reason to be afraid of the credentialing department.

Despite the department’s enthusiasm for the spooky October holiday, “the credentialing specialists are always trying to accommodate the traveler the best they can to make the process as painless as possible while still meeting all of the obligations associated with travel assignments,” said Leavitt. Credentialing specialists serve as a liaison between a facility and a traveler, gathering all of the required documents a facility requires prior to a traveler’s first day on the job.

Examples of credentialing specialists going out of their way to serve travelers are frequent and plentiful. On two occasions this week, the team resolved conflicts at an administrative level so that travelers’ would not be burdened with additional trips to a drug-screening facility. In addition, another traveler enjoyed the convenience of relocating a visit for an immunization to a facility when she had to abruptly leave town to handle an unexpected family emergency.

“Our goal is to provide the greatest efficiency and convenience to our busy travelers. We understand that credentialing can be a lengthy process. However, we are able to respond quickly to a traveler’s changing needs when he or she communicates with us,” said Credentialing Specialist Beverly Norris.

There are several steps travelers can take to expedite the process:

Communicate directly with a credentialing specialist early on when problems arise. Oftentimes the team can settle a conflict with relative ease if it is aware of an issue as soon as possible.
Maintain a thorough portfolio of all licenses, certifications, references and other documents. Your work history should include a comprehensive summary for the past five years.
Verify all documents are legible.
Send enlarged copies of driver’s licenses and other documents.
Stay informed of upcoming license expiration dates.

Leavitt encourages travelers to utilize technology to stay organized. “In this day and age, everyone has a calendar on their computer or mobile device. Why not set a reminder 60 days in advance of every expiration?” she said.

The department itself employs the latest technology to maximize efficiency and expedite the process for travelers. In the past credentialing offices contained lots of paperwork, but now a majority of the workflow is digital. Sustaining a computerized profile for each traveler allows the department to seamlessly integrate all of the various components that make up credentialing into a single organized environment.

“We’ve earned our position as the leader in health care staffing industry in part by utilizing the latest technology throughout our operations. Cirrus is committed to equipping and training our skilled employees with the tools they need, and this allows our credentialing specialists to stay on top of the rigorous demands and challenges they overcome on a daily basis,” said Cirrus Medical Group President Greg Allen.

Extended Service

Starting Oct 26th the department will offer extended hours of availability as a greater convenience to travelers. A credentialing specialist will be available after-hours to work hand-in-hand with evening shift recruiters. The move is part of Cirrus Medical Group’s overall strategy to move travelers into new assignments more quickly.

In addition, seasoned Cirrus Allied Credentialing Specialist Keisha Hamilton will join the department’s Charlotte office, adding to the team’s already diverse background in credentialing services.

“Offering our travelers after-hours credentialing service and relocating Hamilton to our Charlotte operations has the benefits of rewarding both our travelers and our employees with greater flexibility and efficiency. It’s just one of the many ways we’re working to streamline operations,” said Leavitt.

The credentialing department serviced more than 300 individual traveling nurses and allied health professionals in 2008. Cirrus Medical Group aims to raise that figure higher in 2009.

ATTENTION TRAVELERS: We want to know…”What are your credentialing do’s and don’ts?”

Michigan Physical Therapy Assistant Licensure

Keisha Hamilton — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:43:54 +0000

As of June 25, 2009, the state of Michigan began granting licensure to Physical Therapy Assistants.

The Board of Physical Therapy and the MI Dept of Community Health are developing the minimum standards for PTA’s looking to be licensed in the state. In the meantime a limited Physical Therapy Assistant license can be provided to applicants that have graduated from PTA education program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) or be equivalent to a CAPTE PTA program.

The issuance of limited PTA license will no longer be issued after December 31, 2010 and after January 1, 2011 all PTA’s wishing to practice in the state of Michigan, must have either a limited or full Physical Therapy license.

Click here for the limited PTA license application

Timecards

nbarber85 — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:34:32 +0000

This is a reminder to all Traveling Therapist working with Cirrus Allied, SIGNED timesheets are due by Monday at noon. Failing to submit a signed timecard will delay in receiving your paycheck. Cirrus Allied must have a signed timecard by the facilities manager for billing purposes.

If you should have trouble getting a signed timecard by your manager let your recruiter know ASAP.

Fax timesheets to 866-791-7944.

-NB, Cirrus Allied

Housing

nbarber85 — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:54:40 +0000

Dear Travelers,

Please submitt all of your required paperwork into our credentialing department in a timely manner. If you are accepting Cirrus Allied housing you must be cleared through credentialing before any money can be put down on your complex. This could result in loosing your dream house for the next 13 weeks because of a delay in paperwork.

Happy Travels!

-NB, Cirrus Allied

No license? No problem!

Tom Hidock — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 20:59:47 +0000

Hello all,

Next time you have a license to renew or you’re trying to get a new one in process, utilize our skilled licensing/credentialing coordinator to your advantage. Keisha is GREAT at what she does and will help you out as much as you need (barring if the state board is 3rd party only). To start the process, notify your recruiter and we’ll get you the necessary paperwork you’ll need to fill out. Take a minute to fill out all that is necessary, send off directly to the board, and let Keisha know. From there, she’ll assist in speaking with the board, making sure the paperwork is in the correct hands, as well as assist with the other state boards where the verifications are needed. All in all, after the paperwork is filled out, just sit back and relax while you’re updated on the process and where the board is in relation to authorizing the license. We’ll also reimburse up to the particular state board’s rates, so keep your receipts as well. You’re now ready for a new travel therapy job in a brand new state!

Until next time, safe travels.

Tom Hidock
Senior Recruiter

Keep us in mind for your next Physical, Occupational or Speech Therapy travel assignment!

Topics for Successful Traveling

Keisha Hamilton — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 20:56:55 +0000

Getting ready for a travel therapy assignment can be a very stressful time. However, there are a few things you can do to ensure things go smoother.

Maintain your current medical file. This should include things such as an annual physical, annual TB test, MMR and HEP B vaccinations or titers;
Have a valid, legible copy of all of your state license, your dirivers license, and American Heart Association BLS for healthcare providers. If you are a home health provider, you will also need a copy of your insurance; and
Ensure that you have internet access so that you can complete all of the required CEUs and online documents;

As always, the Credentialing Department is here to assist you with any of your questions during this process. We look forard to working with you.

Core Competency Test

Keisha Hamilton — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:33:00 +0000

Testing, testing, testing. I know we all dislike taking tests. Unfortunately, I’ve been asked to assign core competency tests and specialty tests to all Physical Therapists/Assitants, Occupational Therapists/Assistants and Speech Pathologists. We understand that you have already been through school and have already been tested, but this is a Joint Commission requirement that we have to oblige.

If you are a Cirrus Allied Travel Therapist you can access the tests by going to www.cirrusallied.com click RESOURCES on the top right side of the website, and then click RETURNING USER. Use the username and password you previously created.

If you have any questions regarding the tests, please feel free email us at credentialing@cirrusallied.com.

Happy Traveling!

The Cirrus Allied credentialling department goes above & beyond

mg79 — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:23:46 +0000

We have a team of credentialing specialists that are dedicated to making sure you have everything you need to start your next Travel Therapy assignment. They are here to help you with licensure process, as well as the necessary facility required testing. We have been doing this for a long time- so we can help you every step of the way!

If you are a physical, occupational, or speech therapist looking for your next contract travel opportunity, call me today!

Color Blind Test

Keisha Hamilton — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:24:32 +0000

Last week I spoke about Fit Testing. Well this week I learned of another test that travel therapists are sometimes asked to take. The Color Blind Test. I’ve always assumed if someone was color blind, it would be pretty obvious for them to tell, but apparently not. Testing is required because our vision deteriorates over time.

To test for color blindness some clients will require the therapist to take a test called Ishihara. The test is conducted by showing the therapist images that have a combination of different colors, and numbers with a specific color. Click here to see the test

It’s also good to take on your own to test your vision to make sure everything is ok.

If you have any questions about the color blind test or anything other testing that are required for Physical, Occupational Therapist and Speech Pathologist, please feel free to contact us at credentialing@cirrusallied.com

Thanks!

Keisha